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Whitesands Beach named among the best in the world
From Australia to Hawaii, Barbados to the Maldives, Big Travel 7 has come up with a list of the best beaches in the world.
Introducing the list, the travel experts said: "From the sun-soaked tropics to the icy edges of the poles, our planet is home to some truly spectacular beaches.
Best-rated UK beaches for 2025 - Tripadvisor rankings
"Whether you're dreaming of sipping a cocktail under the warm sun or taking a romantic stroll along a pristine shoreline, we've got you covered.
"From pearly-white sands that stretch unbroken for kilometres to crystal-clear waters that invite you in for a swim or snorkel, these are the 50 most beautiful beaches in the world."
The best beaches in the world
The top 50 best beaches in the world, according to Big Travel 7, can be found on the map below:
Why Whitesands Beach is among the best in the world
Whitesands Beach, located near St David's, ranked 28th in Big Travel 7's list of the world's best.
Describing the Pembrokeshire beach as "arguably Wales' best", the experts explained: "This Blue Flag beach is overlooked by the hill of Carn Llidi, while the white sands curve towards the rocky headland of St Davids Head.
"A popular but quiet beach due to its size, it is well worth visiting next time you're in Wales, as it is a favourite among both locals and tourists.
"The water quality is excellent, perfect for swimming in the summer months as well as snorkelling and scuba diving."
This is not the first time Whitesands has been recognised as a top beach.
Conde Nast Traveller also ranked it among the UK's best beaches for 2025, in a listicle released earlier this year.
Whitesands Beach isn't just highly recommended by experts, but by visitors as well, boasting a 4.2 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 532 reviews.
One person said: "Stunning beach and a great coastal path walk near the beach. Beach is great for families and surfing/ swimming. A great place to visit in summer or winter."
Another visitor to the Pembrokeshire beach added: "An absolute gem! Beautiful dog friendly beach with the sound of crashing waves.
"Footpath either side fir a view across the bay. Called into the cafe which is also dog friendly for an ice cream, the staff where really friendly and welcoming.
"Plenty of parking available however £6 is expensive if you are only there for a short visit."
Whitesands Beach comes highly recommended by visitors as well as travel experts. (Image: Tripadvisor)
Things to do at Whitesands Beach
Whitesands is described as "one of the most popular beaches in Pembrokeshire" by Visit Wales, and is said to be ideal for:
Sandcastle building
Paddling and swimming
Surfing
Windsurfering
Kayaking
Diving
Angling
Short walks along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or to the summit of nearby Carn Llidi
There are also traces of a 6th-century chapel to St Patrick buried beneath the dunes located behind Whitesand Beach.
You may also be able to see some of the local wildlife while visiting the beach, with a variety of sea birds, seals and porpoises often spotted close to the shore, according to Visit Wales.
The beach is accessible to wheelchair users.
Visit Wales said: "A slipway provides easy access onto the sand and there are beach-friendly wheelchairs available for hire."
There are also lifeguards on duty at various points throughout the year (see the Visit Wales website for more details and times).
Lifeguards are on duty at Whitesands Beach at various times throughout the year. (Image: Tripadvisor)
Is there a cafe at Whitesands Beach?
There is a cafe (Whitesands Beach House), shop and surf hire located behind Whitesands Beach. Toilet and changing facilities are also available.
There are more shops, cafes and other services in St David's, which is located just two miles from the beach.
Is Whitesands Beach dog-friendly?
Yes, Whitesands Beach is dog-friendly.
However, there are restrictions in place between May and September, which means dogs must be kept on a lead.
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Parking at Whitesands Beach
There are parking spaces for around 60 cars above Whitesands Beach.
Parking "can be a problem during the height of summer", Visit Wales says, but there is a Celtic Coaster shuttle bus (summer only) available which travels to the beach from The Oriel y Parc car park on the edge of St David's.
